Russian Balloonist Fedor Konyukhov Circumnavigates Earch In 11 Days, Breaks Record

Fedor Konyukhov, a 65-year-old Russian balloonist,  has circumnavigated Earth in just 11 days, breaking the pre-existing record.

Russian Balloonist Breaks World Record

Konyukhov landed in the Australian Outback Saturday, claiming a new world record with his 11-day, nonstop, solo excursion around the world in a hot air balloon. Konyukhov’s 11-day and 6-hour time broke the hot air balloon circumnavigation record that was previously held by American businessman Steve Fossett. Fossett had circled Earth in 13 days and 8 hours back in 2002. Making Konyukhov’s feat even more impressive is that he took a longer route that Fossett.

“He beat the speed record, the distance record and he will be the first person to fly solo, non-stop around the world from the first attempt,” Konyukhov’s son Oscar Konyukhov told Seven News over the weekend.

Konyukhov, a Russian orthodox priest, has a history of embarking on and succeeding in completing great adventures. He has climbed Mount Everest twice, traveled to both the North and South poles and sailed around the world four times.

For his next adventure, Konyukhov – who’s published 17 books on his travels – will ride a camel across Australia from west to east.